‘Govt can’t help street children’
‘Govt can’t help street children’
While children are guaranteed state protection under the law and in the Constitution, reality is often much different. In Jakarta, neglected and abused children can be found at virtually every major intersection. The Jakarta Post asked several residents for their opinions on the issue.
Ama Erithia, 30, is an assistant teacher at a mathematics course for children. She lives in Grogol, West Jakarta:
We cannot rely on the government to take care of street children and provide them with education and health services.
It is a good thing that many non-profit organizations focus on educating street children. They also provide them shelters as well as psychological assistance.
Personally, I want to give a hand to street children in the city, maybe by joining one of these NGOs. I think I could teach them in my spare time, such as on the weekend.
Fetty, 25, is a dancer. She lives in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta:
Street children are not only a problem in developing countries, but also in developed ones. I went to Tokyo once, and saw that there were also street children and homeless people. However, we have so many of them here.
Given its inability to take care of the street children, the government should offer more support for community initiatives aimed at helping the children.
A prominent artist from Bandung, West Java, the late Harry Roesli, established a shelter and took care of many street children in his hometown. He also provided them with musical training to help them earn a living.
– The Jakarta Post
